US J-1 Intern Visa 2025 for Students and Recent Graduates

 

Application Process and Requirements

The primary aim of the J-1 Intern Visa is to offer international students and recent graduates the chance to gain practical experience in the United States while participating in cultural exchange activities. This visa promotes mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries by bridging educational objectives and professional training.

• Duration: The J-1 Intern Visa permits participants to intern in the U.S. for up to 12 months. Extensions are possible if the initial internship is less than the maximum duration and must be applied for before the original end date.

Top 10 Resources to Find Internships on a J-1 Visa in 2025

To apply for the J-1 Intern Visa, you must secure an internship offer from a U.S. employer. Below are some top platforms to find internships eligible for the J-1 program:

1. Internships.com – Comprehensive listings across various industries.
2. Indeed.com – Filter by location and visa sponsorship requirements.
3. Handshake – A platform dedicated to students and recent graduates.
4. Cultural Vistas – Specializes in J-1 internship placements.
5. AIESEC – International internships for youth.
6. Chegg Internships – Offers U.S.-based internship opportunities.
7. GoAbroad.com – Focuses on cultural exchange internships.
8. LinkedIn – Extensive network for finding professional opportunities
9. US Chamber of Commerce Foundation – Provides internship programs.
10. CareerOneStop – A U.S. Department of Labor initiative.

Eligibility Criteria for J-1 Visa (2025)

To qualify for the J-1 Intern Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Current Enrollment: Be currently enrolled in or have graduated within the past 12 months from an accredited academic institution outside the U.S.
• Academic Standing: Maintain good academic standing at your institution.
• Internship Alignment: The U.S. internship must align with your field of study or career goals.
• English Proficiency: Demonstrate sufficient English skills to perform the internship.
• Financial Support: Have adequate financial resources to cover living expenses in the U.S.
• Health Insurance: Meet the program’s health insurance requirements during your stay.

7 Simple Steps of Application Submission for J-1 Visa Type

The application process for the J-1 Intern Visa is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Secure an Internship Offer: Obtain an internship offer from a U.S. employer.
2. Contact a Designated Sponsor: Work with a designated J-1 visa sponsor organization that will issue your DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility).
3. Complete the DS-160 Form: Fill out the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).
4. Pay the SEVIS Fee: Pay the $220 SEVIS fee and obtain a receipt.
5. Schedule a Visa Interview: Book an appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
6. Attend the Interview: Bring the necessary documents, including your DS-2019 form, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, passport, and a recent photo.
7. Visa Issuance: If approved, your visa will typically be processed within 1-2 weeks.

J-1 Visa Processing Time and fee in 2025: The average processing time for a J-1 visa is 2-4 weeks, depending on the embassy’s workload and your individual case whereas, an application fee of $160 and SEVIS fee of US$220 will be required to apply for this J-1 Visa in 2025.

References

• https://www.hio.harvard.edu/j-student-intern-visa
• https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/intern/
• https://culturalvistas.org/our-programs/j1services/j1-visa-sponsorship-intern-trainee
• https://en.usvisaservice.de/us-visa/intern-student-visa/j1-visa/.